California Code of Regulations
Title 22 - Social Security
Division 5 - Licensing and Certification of Health Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, and Referral Agencies
Chapter 1 - General Acute Care Hospitals
Article 6 - Supplemental Services
Section 70473 - Dental Service General Requirements

(a) Written policies and procedures shall be developed and maintained by the person responsible for the service in consultation with other appropriate health professionals and administration. Policies shall be approved by the governing body. Procedures shall be approved by the administration and medical staff where such is appropriate.

(b) The responsibility and the accountability of the dental service to the medical staff and administration shall be defined.

(c) A physician member of the medical staff shall be responsible for the care of any medical problem arising during the hospitalization of dental patients.

(d) There shall be a well-defined plan for oral health care, based on patient need, the size of the hospital and the type of service provided.

(e) There shall be a well-organized plan for emergency dental care.

(f) There shall be a record of all dental services provided to the patient and this shall be made a part of the patient's medical record.

(g) Periodically, an appropriate committee of the medical staff shall evaluate the services provided and make appropriate recommendations to the executive committee of the medical staff and administration.